Luckless Coventry flanker Olly Povoas has been ruled out of tomorrow’s home National League One game against Old Albanian after fracturing his hand.

The open side, who had started Cov’s last three games after fighting his way back from an earlier knee injury, will be out for three to four weeks after a scan confirmed the extent of the damage sustained at Rosslyn Park last week.

Captain Eoghan Grace comes off the bench to replace Povoas in a changed starting back row which sees Ali Bone at blind side flanker for Sam Harry, named as a replacement, and Freddie Tuilagi who gets a first start No.8 in place of Darrell Dyer.

Cov welcome back winger Max Trimble, who has been missing through injury since scoring two tries in the first two games of the season, in a match-day squad which includes 15 of the 20 who figured at Rosslyn Park.

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There is also a first start for player-coach Brendan Burke at centre, while Rob Knox is back on the wing with Owain James going to full-back and and Phil Boulton starts at tight head prop in rotation with Jimmy Litchfield.

“Both Ali and Freddie have been training well and as a result they deserve their spot,” said director of rugby Rowland Winter. “Both offer a big physical presence and carry hard, and they now have an opportunity to create competition for Darrell Dyer, who has been involved in every match day so far.

“Max has also worked hard to get himself into contention. He was in great form before his injury and was a stand-out player during pre-season. His initial target will be to show that form again, which will help him keep his spot in the team.

Rob Knox starts on the wing for Cov tomorrow.

“Burkey will slot in at 12 to start with, he will add something different to the back line with Tom Wheatcroft and Will Maisey adding their impact off the bench.

“It’s hard luck on Olly, but Eoghan’s experience will be valuable against a well-organised and dangerous OAs side, while Sam Harry is working and grafting hard, and his impact off the bench on Saturday is also going to be crucial.

“The rest of the squad is consistent with the same group of players who have been involved in the last six weeks and are starting to build strong partnerships.”

Cov’s home form has been impressive with just one narrow defeat to leaders Hartpury College, but Old Albanian have adapted well on their return to National League One after a season’s absence and have already won away at Blaydon, Cambridge and Esher.

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Added Winter: “OAs are a side who have the ability and ambition to attack from anywhere on the pitch. They also have plenty of talent and experience across their squad which will create a tough challenge for us this weekend, especially as they are one of the form sides in the league.”

On the injury front, Cliffie Hodgson returned to training this week and is not far away from being available, while James Stokes is recovering well from an ankle problem. He will have a scan in the next few days to determine the next step, but should be available before Christmas..

Kick-off at Butts Park Arena is 3pm and there will be live post-match entertainment in the clubhouse .